Health Coaching, Pilates & Gentle & Accessible Exercise
Julia Cox is a Certified Pilates Teacher, dancer, choreographer, and health coach (through IIN) with chronic illness and disabilities. She lives the spoonie life with a focus on self care and finding joy with a passion for helping others.
What is a health coach?
Integrative Nutrition Health Coaches support clients in figuring out where to start the change process and how to make sustainable shifts to achieve their wellness goals. They look at how to help guide clients improve their Primary and Secondary foods. Secondary food is the food we literally eat. Primary food is what fuels us off the plate (Check out the Circle of Life below).
"I help people with chronic health conditions OR people who are trying to avoid chronic health conditions live well through making holistic, achievable, sustainable lifestyle changes. This can include Primary foods such as exercise, sleep, stress management and mindfulness practices and more, and Secondary food—the food that is on our plate. Health is multidimensional and bio-individual. I like to look at the whole person, as everything in life is connected. I offer support for you to create your own lasting changes and strategies for a transformation that aligns with YOUR unique wellness vision. I can also offer support while you navigate the healthcare system. I am not here to dictate what you need to do. Through a compassionate and non-judgmental lens and a forward-thinking approach, I listen and ask questions and provide resources when needed. I offer support in helping you find out what works best for YOU as you navigate making behavioral and lifestyle changes to reach your health and wellness goals."
In terms of movement practice...
"Bringing smiles to my clients’ faces is one of the best parts of my job! The connections we make as people and between coach and client are vital to our wellbeing and success in our movement practices. Movement is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. It can tell us stories and information about where to go next. For me, teaching and practicing Pilates has played a vital role in building life, stability of mind and body, and staying present. I encourage my clients to stay curious as I help guide them to finding a better state of being. My hope is that they will feel better than before our lesson!"
-Julia
Circle of Life
(Primary Food)
What Health Coaches Do vs Not Do
We work with clients to address lifestyle and wellness goals related to:
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Weight management
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Food cravings
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Stress management
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Fatigue
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Poor sleep
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Activity or movement
goals
We can work alongside other healthcare professionals in a complementary manner, following treatment plans prescribed by individual clients’ medical providers.
We don’t attempt to work with clients with the intention of directly addressing specific health conditions or severe health problems, such as cancer, kidney failure, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
We don’t claim the ability to cure diseases.
We do provide support that is consistent with treatment plans prescribed by individual clients’ medical providers.
We do empower and educate clients to advocate for themselves (e.g., asking their medical providers about alternatives to medication if wanted).
We do help refer clients to medical providers who may be more aligned with holistic approaches that support health coaching practices if wanted.
We don’t give medical advice or opinions.
We don’t suggest clients stop or change prescription medications or stop seeing their primary medical providers.
We don’t assume clients have any food sensitivities, food allergies, or digestive disorders.
We do support client-identified goals to “crowd out” caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, sugar, and processed foods.
We do help clients explore nutrient-dense whole foods that support overall health and well-being, and hold them accountable to their healthy choices.
We do discuss symptoms clients share and help them discover which food choices work best for their body. (Note: For clients with underlying health issues, food choices should be cleared with their medical provider.)
We do teach clients how to create their own meal plans.
We do discuss particular diets clients may bring up and support them to become more resourceful and knowledgeable about certain dietary theories.
We don’t create meal plans for clients.
We don’t recommend diets, regimens, or detox programs as this can be deemed diagnostic and prescriptive.
We don’t tell clients what or what not to eat.
We do explore with clients how they can incorporate more nutrient-dense foods that fit best into their dietary needs and lifestyle.
Health Coaches can recommend clients work with a registered dietitian or certified nutritionist for specific nutrient recommendations.
Any nutrient supplement clients decide to use should be approved by a healthcare professional as there are numerous underlying health conditions and/or medications that interact with supplements.
We don’t recommend any nutrient supplements or doses.
We do help clients develop strategies to incorporate more gentle, low-risk forms of physical activity into their daily routines.
Note: Any activity or exercise clients decide to do needs to be discussed with their medical provider.
(Because I am a certified Pilates teacher and dancer I am able to prescribe an exercise program if clients want.)
We do explore with clients their current and potential new hobbies, passions, and interests.
We don’t recommend that clients quit their jobs. We avoid giving career or job advice.
We do advise clients to engage in self-reflection and experience nature. Encourage clients who indicate that they wish to create or maintain a spiritual practice.
We don’t share your opinion on your clients’ religions – or lack thereof – or advise them to change their religious affiliations.
Book a Free 45 min Health History Session with me today! During this we will go over your intake form and then discuss the next step and sign up for a program that works for you!
